Update:
On Sunday, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert confirmed that they are, in fact, attempting to trade veteran S Morgan Burnett, per Aditi Kinkhabwala. However, should no deal surface, Colbert says they “part ways.”
Colbert added that drafting Terrell Edmunds last year and recently signing LB Mark Barron plays into the decision to try to trade Burnett.
Gerry Dulac reports that the Steelers are still attempting to trade S Morgan Burnett, but plan to release him if there’s no deal to be made.
Adam Schefter reports that the Steelers have informed veteran S Morgan Burnett that they will release him by April 1, per his request.
- According to Schefter, Burnett was told release would occur on Wednesday, but Steelers said accounting issues will delay the move another week.
- Jeremy Fowler adds that the Steelers explored trade options for Burnett, but their decision to sign Mark Barron made it clear that Burnett was out in Pittsburgh.
Burnett requested his release from the Steelers back in January and said that he felt he played out of position as a dime linebacker last year and would like a new start and a chance to play safety again.
Burnett had a limited market as a free agent last year, so it will be interesting to see how much interest he gets this time around.
Burnett, 30, is a former third-round pick of the Packers back in 2010. He’s played eight seasons for the Packers before agreeing to a three-year contract worth close to $14.5 million.
According to OverTheCap.com, releasing Burnett would free up $3,633,332 of available cap space while creating $2,833,334 in dead money.
In 2018, Burnett appeared in 11 games for the Steelers and recorded 30 tackles, no interceptions and six pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 52 safety out of 93 qualifying players.
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